The Presence

The Presence

Luke 15:1-2, NLT

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!

Setting the Scene

Jesus had gained a reputation for being associated with those on the outs with the religious establishment. In fact, he chose a despised tax collector to be one of his disciples: “Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him” (Luke 5:27-28, NLT). A bit later, after Jesus attended a dinner party in Levi’s home, the Pharisees complained, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” (Luke 5:30, NLT).

Because Jewish tax collectors worked for the Roman Empire, often charging more than was required and enriching themselves, they were considered traitors. The other “notorious sinners” mentioned probably were people with questionable lifestyles who also had become outcasts. Yet these people “often came to listen to Jesus teach.” Jesus had come to reach people like this—those who needed help and knew it. In that previous encounter with the Pharisees over this issue, Jesus had responded to their question by saying, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent” (Luke 5:31-32, NLT). The self-righteous Pharisees and other religious leaders thought they had their spiritual act together and didn’t need to be forgiven. They also thought they were the ultimate authorities on faith and practice.

Having a meal with a person shows that we identify with that person and accept him or her. Thus, because Jesus ate with such “sinful people,” he was guilty by association. The Pharisees who were always careful to stay “clean” according to the law would not go near such people, not even to point them to God. In contrast, Jesus intentionally risked defilement by touching lepers, not washing the way the Pharisees prescribed, and reaching out to social and religious outcasts, such as Samaritans and tax collectors.

Getting Personal

When, if ever, have you felt as if you were a religious or social outcast?

How did you sense Jesus coming close to you, meeting your need?

What types of people are considered outcasts in your social and religious circles?

What can you do to be Jesus’ presence to those who need him?

Jesus expects those who call him Lord and carry his name (“Christian”) to follow his example. This means being present with all types of people, especially those who desperately need the Savior. Jesus came to offer salvation to sinners, to show that God loves them. Despite the hits to his reputation, Jesus loved the unlovable—hanging out with them, seeing their real needs, touching, healing, and forgiving. To bring salvation to people, Jesus lived among them. He was not distant, but close and present. He still is.

Talking to God

Ask the Lord Jesus to give you the sensitivity and courage to reach out to all kinds of people in his name. Spend some time in quietness before him, listening for his prompting regarding people who might need your attention or the truth you have to offer.